Thiruvananthapuram: In a solemn and grand ceremony, Dr. Selvarajan was officially Consecrated as the Auxiliary-Bishop of the Neyyattinkara Diocese today. The episcopal consecration took place at Neyyattinkara Municipal Stadium at 3:30 PM, with a large congregation of clergy, faithful, and dignitaries in attendance.
The sacred ceremony was led by Archbishop Dr. Thomas J. Netto, alongside Neyyattinkara Diocese President Dr. Vincent Samuel and Punalur Diocese President Dr. Sylvester Ponnumuthan. The event witnessed the presence of several esteemed religious leaders, including Vatican Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Leo Pauldo Girelli, CBCI President Mar Andrews Thazhath, and Thiruvananthapuram Malankara Archdiocese Auxiliary Bishop Mathew Mar Polycarpus, who extended their blessings and congratulations to the newly consecrated bishop.
Adding to the grandeur of the occasion, over thirty bishops from various dioceses across Kerala and Tamil Nadu participated as co-celebrants, marking the significance of this appointment within the Catholic Church. The congregation witnessed the rich traditions and solemn rites of episcopal ordination, reinforcing the sacred responsibility bestowed upon Dr. Selvarajan.
Dr. Selvarajan, who previously served as the Judicial Vicar of the Diocese, was appointed as the Auxiliary-Bishop of Neyyattinkara by Pope Francis on February 8th. His appointment was met with immense joy and reverence within the Christian community, as he is known for his deep theological knowledge, pastoral commitment, and dedication to justice within the Church.
The Neyyattinkara Diocese, which plays a crucial role in serving the spiritual and social needs of the region, will now move forward under the strengthened leadership of Bishop Vincent Samuel and Auxiliary-Bishop Dr. Selvarajan. The faithful expressed their prayers and hopes for the new bishop, wishing him wisdom and strength in fulfilling his new mission.
The consecration ceremony concluded with a Eucharistic celebration, followed by a public felicitation attended by priests, nuns, and hundreds of parishioners who gathered to witness this historic and blessed occasion.